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      • About Cypress
        • Who We Are
        • Dr. Joanna Schilling, President
        • Foundation
        • Contact Us
        • Campus Directory
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      • Departments & Programs
            • Accounting
            • Administration of Justice
              • Administration of Justice
              • Homeland Security
            • Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
            • Automotive Collision Repair
            • Automotive Technology
            • Aviation & Travel Careers
              • Airline/Airport Agent, & Aviation Management
              • Commercial Pilot
              • Flight Attendant
              • Tourism / Cruise
              • UAS / UAV Drones
            • Commercial Music & Recording Arts
            • Computer Information Systems
              • Cisco Networking
              • Computer Forensics
              • Web, Mobile App & Gaming
            • Court Reporting
            • Dental Assistant
            • Dental Hygiene
            • Diagnostic Medical Sonography
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            • Engineering Technology
            • Geography
            • Health Information Technology
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              • Culinary Arts
              • Food Beverage Management
              • Hospitality Management
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            • Journalism
            • Kinesiology
            • Management & Marketing
              • Management
              • Marketing
            • Media Arts Design
            • Mortuary Science
            • Nursing
            • Photography
            • Psychiatric Technology
            • Radiologic Technology
            • Technical Theater
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      • CTE Program Index
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    Aviation & Travel Careers

    • Home
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    • Aviation & Travel Careers
    • Airline/Airport Agent & Aviation Management

    Build Your Future in Aviation

    The Airline Customer Service, Airport Operations, and Aviation Management Programs prepare students for employment and advancement as an airline customer service agent, operations agent, or aviation management professional. These programs provide students with the foundational skills, practical knowledge, communication skills, and technical training necessary for a career in the aviation industry. Students completing these programs will develop an understanding of the safety, security, service, and regulatory requirements necessary to work in aviation management. You will learn key tips from industry professionals about how to be successful in the competitive hiring process, in the rigorous training, and in advancing your career.

    Our three primary goals are:

    • To prepare you to be successful in the competitive hiring process
    • To prepare you to pass the rigorous training requirements and FAA exams
    • To provide college credit toward certificates, degrees, and transfer that will prepare you for career advancement opportunities

    Location

    Tech Ed 1, Room 202

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Students may choose to begin with a basic certificate, leading to an advanced certificate, and/or an associate’s degree in Airline Customer Services (ticket agent), Airport Operations (ramp and operations control agent), or Aviation Management (includes all aspects of airline and aviation management). Students may also choose to dual major in areas such as airline customer service or flight attendant and then apply some of their coursework to the management degree as well. All courses are degree applicable and transferable to a four-year university.

    Students may attend full-time or part-time. Full-time students typically take between 12 to 18 units per semester. Basic certificates (18 units) can be earned in one to two semesters, advanced certificates (35 units) in two to three semesters, and AS degrees (60 units) in two years. Courses are offered on campus, online, during the day and in the evenings.

    The program is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is 3 units per course. Unit fees for a basic 18-unit certificate would be $828; an advanced certificate would be $1,610; and a 60-unit associate degree would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some financial aid.

    Airline Operations Agent, $56,060 median annual salary
    Ramp Agent, $42,820 median annual salary
    Customer Service Ticket Agent, $36,280 median annual salary
    Airfield Operations Specialist, $52,360 median annual salary
    Airport Operations, $52,360 median annual salary

    Graduates work in all of the major airlines, including Alaska, American, Cathay Pacific, Compass, Delta, Emirates, JetBlue, SkyWest, Southwest, United, Virgin America, Hallmark Aviation, Swissport Aviation, and more.
    Graduates also work at Los Angeles World Airports, Long Beach Airport, John Wayne Airport, Ontario Airport, Van Nuys Airport, Boeing, Jet Flite International, and more.

    Cypress College ATC students have many transfer options, including the B.S. Aviation Administration Program at California State University, Los Angeles: http://www.calstatela.edu/ecst/tech/bs-aviation-administration

    If you are interested in transferring and earning a 4-year degree, please visit the Counseling Center or make an appointment with our CTE Counselor Jane Jepson at jjepson@cypresscollege.edu.

    Students are also encouraged to visit the Cypress College Transfer Center website at http://www.cypresscollege.edu/services/transfer

    • Degree & Certificate
    • Additional Requirments
    • Faculty

    Degree & Certificate

    Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.

    Airline Customer Services Basic Certificate =18 units (1 to 2 semesters)

    Airline Customer Services Advanced Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)

    Airline Customer Services Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)

    Airport Operations Basic Certificate = 18 Units (1 to 2 semesters)

    Aviation Management Certificate = 35 units (2 to 3 semesters)

    Aviation Management Associate in Science Degree = 60 units (2 years)

    Additional Requirments

    There are no academic prerequisites or test to begin this program; however, there are job requirements that you should review before you begin your coursework. For example, you may need to pass a physical exam and a 10-year background check, and you may need a U.S. Passport. Some careers may have additional requirements such as the need to wear a uniform within specified guidelines such as conservative hairstyles and no visible tattoos. While each industry will have unique requirements, you may want to investigate your options or talk privately to the program coordinator if you have any personal concerns or questions.

    Customer Service Agent

    • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Have a valid driver’s license
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass an extensive post offer pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal history record check required by federal law
    • Pass a post offer pre-employment drug test
    • Frequently lift bags or items weighing up to and including 50 pounds
    • Occasionally lift bags or items weighing between 50 and 70 pounds
    • Pass a physical agility test
    • Be authorized to work in the US
    • Possess entry-level computer skills
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills using appropriate grammar, tone, and pronunciation
    • Be willing to work a fixed and/or rotating schedule including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

    Baggage Handler

    • Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
    • Have a valid driver’s license
    • Be at least 18 years of age
    • Pass an extensive post offer pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting and a criminal history record check required by federal law
    • Pass a post offer pre-employment drug test
    • Frequently lift bags or items weighing up to and including 50 pounds.
    • Occasionally lift bags or items weighing between 50 and 70 pounds.
    • Pass a physical agility test
    • Be authorized to work in the US
    • Possess basic computer skills
    • Have strong verbal communication skills
    • Be willing to work a fixed and/or rotating schedule including afternoons, evenings, weekends and holidays

    Airport Security Manager

    • Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in Management, Airway Science, Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration, Business Administration, or in a field related to the job, plus
    • seven (7) years’ experience in airport operations, airport security or administering provisions of 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1500 at a medium or large hub airport, two (2) years of which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
    • Experience may substitute for education up to four (4) years.
    • Federally mandated security clearances.

    Airport and Ground Operations Supervisor

    • High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED)
    • Must be at least 18 years old
    • Three (3) years customer service, sales, airline experience, or one (1) year JetBlue Airways experience
    • One (1) year airline supervision or lead experience
    • Must be able to read, write, and speak English
    • Must be able to give and receive verbal communication
    • Must be certified and current in all responsible disciplines OR be able to attend and complete training within 30 days (or next available training session – but must be less than 60 days)
    • Able to travel and/or work variable hours, flexible shifts, including holidays and weekends
    • Able to stand continuously up to four (4) hours at a time
    • Ability to perform under pressure and fixed time constraints
    • Good standing in Attendance, Performance and Safety
    • Must be able to use handheld radios and microphones to communicate with operations and make all terminal announcements
    • Able to work with various forms of payment (cash, credit cards, travelers checks, etc.)
    • Proficient knowledge in Microsoft Services and Company required software and application
    • Possess and maintain a valid Driver License and a driving record that meets JetBlue Airways’ insurance standards
    • Must be able to acquire and maintain a valid Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge
    • Depending on location, may need to acquire and maintain a United States Customs Clearance
    • Pass a ten (10) year background check and pre-employment drug test
    • Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
    • Preferred Experience and Qualifications
    • Bilingual skills
    • Two (2) years airline supervision or lead experience
    • Knowledgeable in Airport Operations and/or Ground Operations
    • Excellent time management and prioritization skills
    • Excellent customer service skills
    • Outstanding leadership capabilities, with ability to lead, train and motivate
    • Ability to think creatively

    Faculty

    Captain Ed Valdez, Department Coordinator
    Technical Education 1-210
    (714) 484-7253
    evaldez@cypresscollege.edu

    Part-time Faculty:

    Curt Castagna: ccastagna@cypresscollege.edu

    Jeff Co: jco@cypresscollege.edu

    Elizabeth “Beth” Ennis:eennis@cypresscollege.edu

    Chuck Gifford: cgifford@cypresscollege.edu

    Jacqueline Aguet Graham:jaguetgraham@cypresscollege.edu

    Sherry Groff: sgroff@cypresscollege.edu

    Larry Hack:lhack@cypresscollege.edu

    Michael “Mike” Hannah: mhannah@cypresscollege.edu

    Marilyn “Mimi” Ivey: mivey@cypresscollege.edu

    Jane Jepson: jjepson@cypresscollege.edu

    Charmaine Kaimikaua: ckaimikaua@cypresscollege.edu

    Steve McCormick: smccormick@cypresscollege.edu

    Tommy Mellana: tmellana@cypresscollege.edu

    Cira Oropeza: coropeza@cypresscollege.edu

    Nancy Matsui: nmatsui@cypresscollege.edu

    Iwalani “Evie” Palicz: epalicz@cypresscollege.edu

    Kathleen Reiland: kreiland@cypresscollege.edu

    Mary Ann Saunders: masaunders@cypresscollege.edu

    Katy Straughan: kstraughan@cypresscollege.edu

    Thomas Sutfin: tsutfin@cypresscollege.edu

    James Wilcox: jwilcox@cypresscollege.edu

    Bronze Star

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    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Ed Valdez

    Airline, Airport, & Aviation Management Department Coordinator

    Email: evaldez@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7253

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Jane Jepson, Ph.D.

    CTE Division Counselor

    Email: jjepson@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7074

    CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:

    Cindy Cao

    Division Office Manager

    Email: ccao@cypresscollege.edu
    Phone: (714) 484-7231

    Median Salary in this Field

    $36,280–$163,529 Per Year

    Careers in this Field

    Aviation Management
    Airport Operations
    Airline Operations Agent
    Airfield Operations Specialist
    Customer Service Ticket Agent, Ramp Agent

    Like what you're learning?

    Get Started Today!

    The Airline Customer Service Services, Airport Operations, and Aviation Management Programs prepare students for employment and advancement as an airline customer service agent, operations agent, or aviation management professional.
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    Gravitational Waves

    What People Say

     
    Katy, United Airlines Flight Attendant
    Katy, United Airlines Flight Attendant
    “People ask me all the time about school and when I say that I attended the Cypress College Aviation & Travel Careers Program, they’re shocked that there is actually a program that specializes in airline jobs like flight attendant, pilot, agent, and aviation manager. They’re so interested in knowing what it’s about and if it helped me. I explain to them that it was the best decision I’ve ever made because it helped guide me in the right direction to become what I’ve always wanted. Thank you!”
    - Katy, United Airline Flight Attendant
     
    Scott, NetJets, Pilot
    Scott, NetJets, Pilot

    "Before Ohio State, I was at Cypress College. Loved it! I am now a Falcon 2000 Captain with NetJets."

    - Scott, NetJets, Pilot

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    ©2018 Cypress College. 9200 Valley View Street, Cypress, CA 90630. (714) 484-7000.
    Cypress College is part of the North Orange County Community College District and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

    GREAT JOBS

    U.S. Department of Labor lists Marketing Managers and related careers as Bright Outlook occupations, which are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, or will have large numbers of job openings.

    The US Department of Labor projects a 15% growth in employment by 2026 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. Cypress College reports that 93% of its recent program graduates, got jobs according to the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges job placement rate.

    CRB & NCRA

     
    This program is accredited by the Court Reporters Board of California (CRB) and the National Court Reporting Association (NCRA).

    Bronze Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Bronze Star Recipient. Bronze Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in one metric of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Bronze Star Recipients
    • Automotive Technology: 89% increase in earnings
    • Automotive Collision Repair: 58% increase in earnings
    • Accounting: 60% increase in earnings
    • Business Management: 58% increase in earnings
    • Mortuary Science: 175% increase in earnings
    • Environmental Control Technology: 73% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Health Information Technology: 51% increase in earnings
    • Radiologic Technology: 60% increase in earnings
    • Dental Assistant: 419% increase in earnings
    • Alcohol and Controlled Substances: 62% increase in earnings
    • Computer Graphics and Digital Imagery: 94% increase in earnings
    • Computer Networking: 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study
    • Culinary Arts: 101% increase in earnings
    • Hospitality: 106% increase in earnings
    • Flight Attendant: 104% increase in earnings
    • Technical Theater: 84% increase in earnings
    • Human Services: 53% increase in earnings

    Silver Star Program

     
    California Community College Strong Workforce Program Silver Star Recipient. Silver Stars are granted when a program attains outcomes in two metrics of these three. Either a substantial increase in earnings, the attainment of a living wage, and / or a job closely matched with the field of study.

    Silver Star Recipients
    • Diagnostic Medical Sonography: 322% increase in earnings and 89% of students attained the regional living wage
    • Psychiatric Technology: 203% increase in earnings and 100% of students are employed in a job similar to their field of study

    AS-T

     
    Students Completing AS Degrees for Transfer (AS-T) are Guaranteed Admission to the California State University (CSU) System.

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